Abstract:
Nanometrics Incorporated (Nasdaq: NANO), a leading supplier of advanced metrology equipment to the semiconductor industry, has named Toho Technology Corp. (Nagoya, Japan) as exclusive distributor in Japan for six Compound Semiconductor and Materials Characterization product lines, primarily serving the HB-LED, wafer substrate and Solar PV metrology sectors. The product lines include the RPM2000, Vektor, Vertex, ECV Pro, NanoSpec 3000 and NanoSpec 6100 systems. As exclusive distributor, Toho will work with Nanometrics to fully support these product offerings with its local sales and service network.

Included in its agreement with the company, Toho Technology will open a dedicated demo facility in the Tokyo area to facilitate product sales and marketing in the Japan region. This latest agreement follows on the successful sale of Nanometrics' Flat Panel Display (FPD) Business Unit to Toho Technology (December 20, 2005). Nanometrics will continue to sell its 200mm/300mm fab tools through its Nanometrics Japan subsidiary.

"This partnership with Toho to support our Materials Characterization products will greatly improve our corporate presence in the region and enable Nanometrics to focus on its growing fab business," commented Tom Ryan, director of Nanometrics' Materials Characterization Business Unit.

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About Nanometrics IncorporatedNanometrics is a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of high-performance process control metrology systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. Nanometrics standalone and integrated metrology systems measure various thin film properties, critical dimensions, overlay control and optical, electrical and material properties, including the structural composition of silicon and compound semiconductor devices, during various steps of the manufacturing process. These systems enable semiconductor manufacturers to improve yields, increase productivity and lower their manufacturing costs. The company maintains its headquarters in Milpitas, California, with sales and service offices worldwide. Nanometrics is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol NANO.

Toho Technology Corporation is a leading supplier of Process Control and Inspection solutions for the Flat Panel industry. The company's portfolio of products and expertise is designed to help researchers and manufacturers throughout the entire fabrication process-from R&D to final analysis. The Company’s corporate office is located at 3-10-22 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Japan 460-0008 with sales, applications and services offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Toho Technology’s website is: www.tohotechnology.com.